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Off grid Utah 5th wheel questions!!

kyleswenson72

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Joined
Nov 7, 2020
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6
I have a 2001 Mackenzie 5th wheel that has one panel on it with 2 6 volt batteries that came on the camper that doesn't even last a full day, Im living here full time!!!
the batteries only power 12 volt accessories in the camper, lights and fans. I need to know what the best deal is for a solar kit, how many batteries, and how many panels. I want a system that I can grow my battery bank and my panels for the future without breaking the bank. What do you all recommend for a nice kit.
also, I've looked into wiring an inverter to bypass the converter. I need help with that as well.... The easiest solution for me is to get a 30 amp reseptical on the trailer and run the shore power connector into it. Then I would need to bypass the converter somehow. unplug it?
my number is 978 660 5778 if you guys want to call or text if thats easier. thanks!
 
My plan is to add an inverter and solar charged batteries just in front of the cord used to plug into shore power. That way if Im plugged in it will pass through the inverter to power everything. Otherwise I'll be plugged into the on board generator to provide power if the batteries get low and the solar can't keep up. Some inverters even have an auto generator start feature.

I'm putting as much solar as I can fit on the roof, 1kw. The inverter is the same size as the generator. I figure if the generator is designed to do it sbmm equal sized inverter should be fine. Battery bank all depends on your energy usage. Perform an energy audit to figure that out.
 
I have a 2001 Mackenzie 5th wheel that has one panel on it with 2 6 volt batteries that came on the camper that doesn't even last a full day, Im living here full time!!!
the batteries only power 12 volt accessories in the camper, lights and fans. I need to know what the best deal is for a solar kit, how many batteries, and how many panels. I want a system that I can grow my battery bank and my panels for the future without breaking the bank. What do you all recommend for a nice kit.
also, I've looked into wiring an inverter to bypass the converter. I need help with that as well.... The easiest solution for me is to get a 30 amp reseptical on the trailer and run the shore power connector into it. Then I would need to bypass the converter somehow. unplug it?
my number is 978 660 5778 if you guys want to call or text if thats easier. thanks!
2 battle born 100AH battery and 700w of solar would be a good start.
honestly you need to list everything you want to power and how many hours you plan on running each.
a simple toggle switch in the bulk head and wire it into the 120v input of convertor
 
If you get an inverter/charger combo, it simplifies the wiring and you won't need a AC-DC converter. More money, but a less complex design.

Look at the DIY Solar Blueprints link at the top of the web page. That's a good place to start.

LiFePO4 batteries need to be located in a heated/insulated compartment. You don't want them to get cold. They are not to be charged under 32° F.
 
2 battle born 100AH battery and 700w of solar would be a good start.
honestly you need to list everything you want to power and how many hours you plan on running each.
a simple toggle switch in the bulk head and wire it into the 120v input of convertor
$2K for the drop in BB is ok for a turn key solution, however for that same $2k you can get a LOT more DIY battery.
 
$2K for the drop in BB is ok for a turn key solution, however for that same $2k you can get a LOT more DIY battery.
I would say if he wants to use the shore plug that says simple solution is better
 
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